It’s been a while since I posted a Maryism, but nary a day goes by without some sort of fascinating tidbit of Mary-flavored wisdom.

Yesterday afternoon, after much begging and cajoling, I’d been told the kids could go see their dad in the ICU. The catch? They could only see him if I brought them up immediately (and made sure they’d understand he wouldn’t be himself. Yeah – it’s safe to say they get it). So as I picked them up from school, I’d asked both kids to hurry and use the restroom so we could leave for SLC right away.

Mary was taking a bit longer than expected, so I went in the girl’s room to urge her along, only to find she was flushing and nearly done. So I decided not to say anything. Instead, while I waited, I opened my purse to find the makeup I’d thought about wearing earlier that day. I threw on a little eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss, then added a smidgen of concealer on the month’s incredible volcanic display. Upon recognizing my shoes from under her stall, Mary said,

“Why hello, Mom. What are you up to?”

“Oh, I just figured I’d put on a little mascara and what not.”

“Why would you need makeup to go to the hospital?”

“I don’t need makeup to go to the hospital. I just forgot to put some on earlier today.”

“You forgot to put on makeup? As though it were that important?”

“You know, some women won’t even eat breakfast until their ‘face is done.'”

“Seriously? That should be the last thing anyone should worry about in the morning. I mean, if you get all your stuff done and you’re out the door before you have a chance to put on makeup, who cares? It’s not like you’ll say to yourself, “Oh no! I’ve missed today’s opportunity to try to look like someone I’m not!”

Some might think I ought not afford a nine-year-old-girl such strong opinions, particularly when spoken so candidly to her mother. But if she can get through her teenage and young-adult years knowing she doesn’t need makeup to be her best self, I’ll consider it a success. 🙂